TEMPLATE

The evolution of leisure in Canadian society is deeply rooted in broader historical transformations that began in Europe during the 16th to early 19th centuries when a fundamental shift occurred in how society viewed and organized recreational activities. As the traditional patronage of the Church and State over arts and culture gradually diminished, enterprising businessmen stepped forward, establishing commercial leisure and sporting ventures to meet growing public demand. This social transformation manifested physically through ambitious urban renewal projects across Europe, with cities like Paris, London, Prague, and Venice constructing new recreational facilities and spaces designed for specific audiences.